newy.com.au – CCTV vision has captured a series of close calls involving pedestrians and motorists around Newcastle’s light rail network, prompting a warning that a 50-tonne tram cannot stop quickly or swerve to avoid a collision.
Newcastle Transport released the footage for Rail Safety Week, which runs from August 10 to 16, after recording the near misses during the past 12 months.
Newcastle’s 2.7-kilometre light rail line opened on February 17, 2019, and connects Newcastle Interchange with Newcastle Beach through six stops.
Trams are limited to 40km/h along Hunter and Scott streets, but Newcastle Transport warns they take longer to stop than cars. Most of the route operates within a dedicated tramway, while trams and motorists share a traffic lane on part of Scott Street between Newcomen and Pacific streets.
The operator said people continued to run in front of moving trams or enter the tracks despite the light rail having operated in Newcastle for more than seven years. Sudden braking also puts passengers at risk of falling inside the tram.
Each light rail vehicle has 60 seats and standing room for 216 passengers. Newcastle Transport advises passengers who are standing to hold a strap or handrail because a tram may need to brake suddenly.
Figures published by the TrackSAFE Foundation, drawn from national rail safety regulator data, show 12 fatalities and 1,025 injuries were recorded across Australian light rail networks between 2016 and 2025.
Keolis Hunter general manager Arsene Durand-Raucher said drivers did everything they could to avoid collisions but needed other road users and pedestrians to stay alert.
“Every near miss leaves a lasting impact – not just for the person involved, but also for our tram drivers, staff and customers,” Mr Durand-Raucher said.
“Our tram drivers do everything they can to prevent a collision, but the reality is, trams can’t stop quickly. We need the community to play their part in keeping everyone safe.”
Tram driver Victoria Tonks said crowded platforms and people rushing across the road in front of trams could make peak periods particularly stressful.
“Just a moment of distraction could have serious consequences. It’s terrifying when someone runs in front of you or jumps down onto the tracks,” she said.
Passengers have been urged to remain behind the white line on platforms, put away mobile phones and headphones, use designated crossings and avoid rushing for closing doors.
More safety information is available on the Newcastle Transport website.
